Heritage Jumpers Inspire Memorable Victories
Ballarat Grammar proudly celebrated its football tradition with two special Heritage Matches this season.
The First XVIII boys were the first to wear the Heritage jumper when they faced Ballarat High School on Friday 8 May. Before the opening bounce, Principal Adam Heath presented each player with their Heritage jumper, speaking about the privilege of representing Ballarat Grammar and reflecting on the significance of the School's 2024 BAS premiership – the first since 1964.
The players responded with an impressive win, producing a disciplined four-quarter performance 16.17 (113) to 2. (12) victory.
Played in difficult wet and windy conditions, Grammar adapted quickly, applying relentless pressure and controlling the contest from the outset. As the weather improved after halftime, the team's ball movement flourished, resulting in an exciting attacking display.
Oscar Stone starred with five goals, while Ollie Tickell earned Best on Ground honours with an outstanding all-round performance. Hugh Myers and Will Farrington each added two goals, with Ky Driscoll, Sam Gibson, Will Balkin, Mitch Clark, Harry Collins and Charlie Mahncke also finding the scoreboard. Tickell, Stone, Farrington, Clark and Mahncke were recognised among the team's best players, while First XVIII debutants Ryan Grech and Tom Hinkley impressed in their senior appearances.
The Heritage Match was equally memorable for the First XVIII girls when they took on Ballarat Clarendon College in the BAS Grand Final on 18 June.
Old Grammarian Alice Astbury (2019), renowned during her playing days for her fearless attack on the football, returned to present the Heritage jumpers before the match, inspiring the team ahead of one of the toughest contests of the season.
After conceding the opening quarter in torrential rain, Ballarat Grammar responded brilliantly. Led by the outstanding midfield work of Sadie Harris and captain Kizzi Moore, the Lionesses wrestled back momentum through relentless pressure, strong tackling and determined team football.
Emma Betts and Milly Shortal played pivotal roles as Grammar took control, while the defence stood firm to prevent Ballarat Clarendon College from adding another score after quarter time. The Lionesses secured a hard-fought 4.16 (40) to 1.3 (9) Grand Final victory.
Kizzi Moore, Sadie Harris, Milly Shortal and Emma Betts were named among the best players, although the win was built on a complete team effort in extremely challenging conditions.
The Heritage Matches once again demonstrated the pride Ballarat Grammar students have in representing the School. Both teams honoured the generations who have worn the Heritage jumper before them.
Acknowledgement of Country
Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, live and work, the Wadawurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Commitment to Child Safety
Ballarat Grammar maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and actively implements measures to identify and manage any risks of harm to students within our school environment. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people are central and fundamental responsibilities of the School. We are firmly committed to fostering a child-safe culture that provides an environment where students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives. Ballarat Grammar values diversity and strictly prohibits any racist or discriminatory practices. All members of our school community share the responsibility to care for children and young people by promptly raising any concerns regarding their safety, promoting their wellbeing, and protecting them from all forms of harm or abuse.
